Hannah Darby - Dancing with Diversity
Hannah Darby
Dancing with Diversity
Credit: Mefus Photography
In the world of movement and expression, Hannah Darby emerges as a vibrant force, seamlessly blending her lifelong passion for dance with a great love for circus arts. From her early days at Rubican in Cardiff to her current ventures in rural West Wales, Darby's journey is a testament to her boundless creativity and unwavering dedication to the arts.
Darby's dance odyssey began at the tender age of five or six, drawn into the enchanting world of movement through Saturday morning creative classes at Rubican. It was here that she first discovered her love for dance, exploring various styles from jazz to ballet, and street to contemporary with relentless enthusiasm. As a teenager, Darby immersed herself in the dance community, spending every evening at Rubican, honing her skills, and volunteering her time to teach and assist others.
Her path took a transformative turn when Sue Lewis, the founder of Ffin Dance, recognized Darby's potential and encouraged her to pursue a unique blend of physical theatre and circus at Circomedia. Since then, Darby has embraced this fusion of disciplines, infusing her performances with a captivating mix of dance and circus elements, transcending mere tricks to create truly mesmerizing spectacles.
Credit: Heather Birnie
What sets Darby apart is the diversity of her artistic endeavors, from creating pieces for herself and others to teaching students who just want to have fun hanging upside down and learning handstands. She’s taught hen parties dirty dancing routines, climbed atop high buildings to celebrate events, toured with huge structures, and performed before thousands! Darby's artistic repertoire knows no bounds.
She also finds joy in her connections within the performing community, and cherishes the genuine camaraderie and support that permeates it.
Beyond her artistic pursuits, Darby is deeply committed to environmental causes, infusing her work with a strong sense of ecological consciousness. Additionally, her artistic values include exploring female narratives. She believes that art should exceed beauty. It should inspire questions, motivate people to consider other points of view, and stir unexpected emotions.
Credit: Two Cats in the Yard
Looking ahead, Darby's path is as diverse as her artistry, from teaching in community circus spaces to creating captivating pieces with other collectives. She’s currently promoting a work called Swyn, about the deep connection between the women of Pembrokeshire and the land. She’s also developing a walkabout performanc with the same characters that utilises ground-based movement - not requiring the aerial rig. They employ props to lift the performers and elevate movements.
For Darby, movement is more than just physical expression—it's her medicine, her meditation, and her source of peace and calmness. Whether she's performing on stage, tending her garden, swimming in the sea, or laughing with friends, Darby's zest for life shines through in every aspect of her being.
In essence, Hannah Darby embodies the spirit of creativity, resilience, and boundless exploration. With her unwavering passion for dance, circus, pizza, and the natural world, she continues to inspire and captivate audiences, inviting them to join her on a journey of possibility.
Written By: Lena Smith
Hannah’s Links
‘Swyn’ Teaser
Hannah’s Instagram
Collective Flight Syrcus
Photography by: Mefus Photography
